/cms/188/message-of-support-from-the-office-of-the-rt-hon-margaret-beckett-mp Message of support from the Office of the Rt. Hon Margaret Beckett MP
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Message of support from the Office of the Rt. Hon Margaret Beckett MP

I remember when local and national politicians in Derby were approached by the then ABB Transportation (now Bombardier Transportation) to join forces, the in run up to privatisation, and help secure orders for the rail industry in Derby, promoting the world class rail capability for which the City was, and is, internationally renowned.

That was in 1993.

This directly resulted in the establishment of the business led Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum to work closely together with local government and local politicians - a Forum that successfully promotes the world class expertise of Derby as a centre of rail excellence worldwide.

The Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum has, since its inception in 1993, represented Forum members, provided both inward and outward trade missions, provided railway related trade exhibitions, established hugely successful networking opportunities for the British rail industries and brilliantly maintained Derby's international reputation of excellence in railway design, engineering, manufacture and consultancy.

The diversity of approach that the Forum provides is second to none, from the consortia approach for all members; the facilitation of topical workshops and seminars; the assistance in accessing new railway tenders; and, importantly for our City - the provision of a collective voice- for our local rail industry alongside the continuing promotion of our local rail industry to a global market.

The Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum is not only a triumph for the collaboration of business and local government in Derby but also a British and international success story.